Protecting
the Environment

Agriculture

Recognizing that agriculture plays a dominant role in supporting Illinois’ economy, The Attorney General focuses attention on the state’s agricultural issues. The Attorney General acts as a legislator and educator for Illinois’ agricultural producers.

• Provides representation for the Illinois Department of Agriculture
The Attorney General’s office represents the Illinois Department of Agriculture in various issues, including cases in Federal Court, Circuit Court, the Court of Claims, and in front of the Human Rights Commission and the Illinois Commerce Commission.

• Serves as Corporate Secretary for the Illinois Grain Insurance Corporation
The Illinois Grain Insurance Corporation ensures that any farmer or claimant who suffers a loss because of a failed elevator, within the statutory definition, is paid. The Attorney General’s office assists in recovering assets for both the Grain Insurance Corporation and the claimants if a grain elevator fails and there is a shortfall after liquidating the assets of the elevator.

• Enforces State Environmental Laws
Through the work of the Environmental Enforcement Division and the Environmental Crimes Bureau, the Attorney General’s office enforces the state’s environmental laws and criminally prosecutes the worst polluters. In addition, the Office works to stop pollution and ensure that polluters, not taxpayers, pay the cost of cleanup.

By participating in the Environmental Crimes Investigators Network, the Attorney General’s office designates and trains local law enforcement officers to identify and investigate polluters, thus expanding the Office’s enforcement ability.

• Encourages Competition in Business
The Attorney General works to protect consumers and businesses by enforcing antitrust laws and prohibiting unfair methods of competition or activities that restrain trade, including grain elevator mergers, market consolidation and gas, hog and farm chemical prices. The Attorney General also participates in the National Association of Attorneys General’s Livestock Working Group to address hog price concerns.

• Advocates for Agriculture and Provides Information to Producers
As a statewide resource of consumer information, the Attorney General’s office provides information to producers on the latest developments in state law that may affect them. In addition, the Attorney General advocates on behalf of producers and the agriculture industry to ensure fairness in all state activities.

• Leads the Agricultural Advisory Council
Seeking to ensure that the needs of rural Illinois receive the attention they deserve from the Attorney General's Office. Formed in Spring 2000, the council meets twice a year to discuss issues important to the agricultural community and to develop programs within the Attorney General’s office that will assist producers throughout the state.

From the Fields to the Labs: Methamphetamine and Agriculture
Facts, Theft Prevention Tips and Contact Information

FACTS:

What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive nerve stimulant similar to cocaine or even caffeine. It is known on the street as meth, crank, speed and ice, and can be smoked, injected, snorted or taken orally. Meth is commonly sold in the form of pills, powder and chunks.

Where is meth manufactured?Meth is often manufactured in small, clandestine laboratories found in rural areas. Meth producers use recipes involving precursor chemicals derived from various consumer products including cold medicines, drain cleaners and battery acid. While there are several ways to manufacture methamphetamine, one “recipe” features anhydrous ammonia as a key ingredient. This chemical is commonly used for agricultural purposes, making the Illinois farmer a prime target for anhydrous ammonia thefts.

How does meth affect me?
Because the manufacturing of methamphetamine produces highly toxic chemicals,
meth labs and the waste they leave behind can have a significant and dangerous
impact on the community in which they are found. Most meth manufacturers
reside in rural areas to avoid easy detection by police and neighbors,
and use the resources that are readily available to them. These “resources”
often include anhydrous ammonia. Illinois farmers can protect themselves
and their families by monitoring their nurse tanks and taking a few simple
precautions..

THEFT PREVENTION TIPS:

Remember, the proper storage of anhydrous ammonia is important for the safety of you and your family and can help prevent the manufacture of methamphetamine.

• Have tanks delivered as close to the time of application as possible.

• Position tanks in open areas where they can be seen from the roadway.

• Avoid placing tanks in remote areas. Tanks that appear to be unattended are often targeted for theft.

• Inspect the condition of each nurse tank upon delivery and return.

• Check tanks frequently for tampering. The presence of buckets, coolers, duct tape, garden hoses and bicycle tire inner tubes are items frequently left behind by ammonia thieves. Take notice of any fresh tracks around the tanks that may indicate someone has walked or driven around the tank.

• Return tanks immediately after use.

• Report any signs of tampering to your local law enforcement agency and to your fertilizer dealer. The dealers will inspect the tanks to ensure that the equipment has not been damaged and the tank is safe to use.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

To report suspicious activity regarding methamphetamine production or trafficking, contact the Office of the Attorney General – Statewide Grand Jury Bureau at: 312-814-5200 or 1-800-964-3013 (TTY).